Tuff Line Question

[Rimshot]

I am considering switching my sturgeon rods over to tuff line or something similar. I have never fished it nor has anyone I know, but from reading some posts here it sounds like it might be worth a try. The thing I can't figure out though is what leader would you use? If you use dacron you would never be able to break off and if you did you risk breaking the expensive tuff line. If you use mono it would break easily(maybe too easy I would think) but I can't imagine trying to rig up a smelt half-hitching with 30# mono. So can somebody that uses this stuff enlighten me? Thanks a bunch.

[HOGGEMIN]

Howdy, I use 80lb tuff for keepers and 100lb for oversized sturgeon with 100lb braided dacron for leaders its hard to break off if hung up but it can be done.

[Dan9113]

I use 72# braided dacron leader with 80# tuff. Never seems to be a problem. If you do hang up and break it, always seems to break near the knot anyway. Haven't changed mainline in 3-4 years so I don't think you will have a problem. It is the only way to go if you are fishing deep or heavy water as the drag is so much less. Also very positive hook sets and ultra sensitive for the heavy rods.

[steelie69]

I have heard that changing your mainline on your salmon rods to Tuff line is the way to go. Does anybody have any advice or anything I should watch for before I do so. I think I want to try for the upcoming springer season and also the fall run. Let me know what you think.

50LB????

[Rimshot]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm gonna try it.

[4 REEL]

GEEZ!!! I use #50 tuff on both sturgeon and salmon stuff.
I have caught a 12.5 ft sturgeon on #50 and had no problems also two 10's & an 8 footer, 4 keepers and a bunch of shakers.
Could'nt imagine having to use anything heavier then that.
Works great for salmon because there is NO stretch, for positive hook sets. Also, when a guide boat decides to cut right below you with his 8 clients, ALL you poles go down, guess who will win. Tuff cuts mono like hot butter!

[ 02-12-2003, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: 4 REEL ]

[Slugranch]

I use Tuf Line on my sturgeon rods, but the local guys that charter for sturgeon in the lower river use mono. They hate us guys that use the Tuf line, because it is strong, and very abrasive to their lines. In a tugging match with one of their rods, guess who wins.

[Beer Waggin]

Just make sure you get Tuff Plus and not the original Dacron line. The Dacron line is larger in diameter and sucks on a reel as far as I'm concerned, but I still use it for my sturgeon leaders.
All my reels, except my steelhead stuff, have Tuff line on them. Anywhere from 50# to 100# depending on the reel.
No stretch means no more knee to shoulder hook sets, just one quick jerk.